Marc Blatstein | Podiatrist

Nearly 26 million Americans are identified as having diabetes, with approximately two million additional people being diagnosed each year. More than half of the people affected by diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that can cause a loss of feeling in the legs and feet. In extreme cases, diabetic neuropathy can lead to lower-extremity amputations.

Foot injuries are a common cause of hospitalizations among diabetic patients, costing those affected by the disease a total of $245 billion in medical expenses in 2012. Because of reduced blood flow, people who have diabetes often experience a lack of feeling in the feet, which increase a person’s chances of stepping on a sharp object without realizing it. Blisters, bunions, and calluses may also go unnoticed and become larger, long-term issues.

It is important to note that preventative measures, like daily inspection and cleansing of the feet, can have a measurable impact when it comes to counteracting foot ulcers and other foot-related injuries. People living with diabetes should check their feet and toes daily for any injuries or irritations. Feet should also be washed daily in mild or lukewarm water and lotion should be applied to the feet afterward to prevent fissures, or cracks, in the foot skin as these can become a breeding ground for infection.

Other simple preventative measures include never wearing shoes without socks, as this can cause irritation or abrasions, and never walking in bare feet. Additionally, shoes that give the feet room to breathe, like a tennis show or a type of medical shoe that distributes pressure evenly on the various parts of the foot, can help keep feet healthy.

Most costs associated with diabetes are due to complications. However, if people living with diabetes make various positive changes to their lifestyles, long-term complications can often be prevented.

When it comes to taking care of your feet, you need to think about what your feet go through and what they’re put into. Weather you’re engaging in winter sports, running, or just taking a leisurely walk, make sure you are wearing properly fitting footwear that is appropriate for the activity. Shoes should leave feet with room to breathe and should not cause blisters or other irritations. The right fit can help keep your feet healthy and prevent any long-term podiatry issues.

Always use lotion to moisturize your feet. This is especially important in the winter months when dry air and cold temperatures can cause skin on the feet to become dry, cracked, and irritated. Additionally, since most people are more sedentary during winter months, you may find yourself needing to exercise your feet more. Stretching is a good way to avoid muscles cramps. Foot rubs are also a great way to relieve tension and boost circulation. If you notice that your feet and ankles are beginning to swell from sitting in one position for too long, you can also try elevating your legs to reduce the swelling.

While the summer sun may feel great after a long, chilly winter, it brings new risks for your feet. Limit walking barefoot in the summer as this can expose feet to sunburn, infections, and can also increase risk of injury to your feet. Be sure to wear flip-flops around places like the pool, to the beach, or in a locker room to help prevent injuries or infection. If you are going outside, make sure you apply sunblock to your feet as well as the rest of your body. Also try to drink plenty of water as this can help keep you hydrated and reduce foot swelling caused by heat.

Finding a running shoe might seem like a simple thing to do, but finding the right running shoe is a whole different story. In an article written by Jeffrey Ross of the website Podiatry Network, he explains the simple but often overlooked aspects of a running shoe as well as matching it with your foot type.

A running shoe is made up of the uppers, outersole, heel counter, and midsole. The “uppers” is the upper part of the shoe that is made of a certain material with padding in both the front and back to help with pressure caused to the foot. The “outersole” is what many people refer to as the “sole” of the shoe. It is the rubber part of the shoe that meets the ground. It is important to find a sole that is best for which surface you will be running on. The “heel counter” is the “the inflexible material surrounding the heel. It must be made of a material that is both rigid and durable to support and stabilize the heel.” Having a supportive heel counter will help you not feel stiffness or be uncomfortable after a long run. The “midsole” is quite possibly the most important aspect of a running shoe. It provides cushioning and absorption as your foot makes contact with the ground over and over again.

Apart from knowing the important parts of what goes into a good shoe, knowing your foot type is key in keeping your feet in the best position possible when running. Not everyone’s foot is the same and that is why there are many shoe models for different types of feet. One of the biggest things to consider when shopping for a shoe is to know how much your feet arc. Certain shoes are made for people with higher arcs and for others lower arc. You should also look into your foot width as well. Avoiding unnecessary pressure is instrumental in being comfortable in your shoes.

Running is a common component to many peoples’ workouts and it is important to choose the best shoe for you.

Marc Blatstein

Marc Blatstein has practiced podiatry for over 22 years. Over the years he has added to his practice, offering physical therapy, in office surgical suites as an option for his patients, and a Shoe Store focused on appealing and yet medically functional shoes for men, women and kids.